Zamboanga City Rep. Mannix Dalipe tests positive for COVID-19

Zamboanga City Representative Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe has tested positive for COVID-19.

Dalipe himself confirmed the development in a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

According to the lawmaker, his father, former Zamboanga City Mayor Manny Dalipe, as well as his wife and two daughters also tested positive for the disease.

"Five members of the Dalipe family are now bravely fighting the COVID virus. Please continue to pray for us as we also pray for everyone's health and safety," he said.

Apart from Dalipe, at least 10 other lawmakers from the House of Representatives have tested positive for COVID-19.

They include Gabriela Women's Party Representative Arlene Brosas, 1-PACMAN party-list Representative Eric Pineda, Cavite Representative Luis "Jon-Jon" Ferrer IV, Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, and Surigao Del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel.

Other lawmakers who contracted the disease are Bulacan Representative Henry Villarica, Sulu Representative Samier Tan, Northern Samar Representative Paul Daza, Senior Citizens party-list Representatives Francisco Datol Jr., and Sorsogon Representative Ditas Ramos.

Datol and Ramos died after testing positive for the disease.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco earlier said that the House would set aside P50 million from its internal funds for the COVID-19 vaccination of the chamber's employees and their five immediate family members once a vaccine is available.

Also included in the COVID-19 vaccination program of the chamber are members of the House media and five of their immediate family members, to be followed by the members themselves. —KG, GMA News